Italy coach Roberto Mancini discussed the ongoing Coronavirus emergency, Serie A and Inter in an interview in today’s paper edition of the Rome based newspaper Corriere dello Sport.
“I hope that we can return to normal life soon and that this dramatic situation will become only a memory, even if it’s historically bad one. By living freely, I mean the freedom to act, to think, to have social relationships and also to play sports.”
He highlighted how the Coronavirus pandemic has been incredibly damaging to Italy.
“And I repeat that a more terrible event could not have happened to us. We could say it’s a massacre, like a war, as they say. Terrible, indeed.”
Mancini touched on the effects of the Coronavirus situation on football in the country.
“Health comes first of all but I understand that the world of sport has not been affected by the coronavirus. We can count the cases easily, especially at a high level. 20 players in Serie A? I don’t get it, if we exclude doctors, chaperones and staff. What about the second division and Serie C? How many cases have been reported? If I look at the worldwide activity, it doesn’t seem to me that the numbers are increasing, on the contrary. In my opinion, contact sports are not dangerous, at least if you look at the numbers.”
The Italy coach believes that sport should be restarted soon in order to lift people’s spirits.
“That’s why I hope they reopen the sporting world. And I don’t say this selfishly, for reasons of money or interest. The European Championships will be played in a year’s time and I will have to start studying again. I say this as a simple citizen. Sport has a social value, of togetherness. If it starts again, it will help the country from a psychological point of view. Positive emotions help.”
He also highlighted how important football is to the economy in Italy.
“Yes, if we collapse it will be more difficult for everyone.”
Mancini didn’t think that life would be completely different after the Coronavirus has been beaten.
“I don’t like that theory. Who says so? Who supports it and why? On what basis do they tell us we’ll be different? I think that we should be different, but from a human and behavioral point of view. All of us should be more honest and supportive, okay, but then life must return to normal. From tragedy, let’s build a better world.”
The former Inter and Manchester City coach didn’t want to compare the safety of going to the supermarket compared to playing football.
“I don’t want to make comparisons because it wouldn’t be fair. I think football can resume. The football pitches are a hundred meters long, there is enough space, many clubs also have many different grounds and changing rooms. Let’s start playing football again and you’ll see that it will help the country.”
Finally, Mancini spoke about the remaining Serie A games and the favourites for the league title.
“It will become unfeasible, because it’s a mini tournament. Juve, who are the strongest team ever, and Lazio are the favourites, of course, but be careful because certain point gaps can easily be cancelled out by a slip. If Inter beat Sampdoria in the game that was postponed, they’ll be back in the running for the title. And watch out for Atalanta if they start from where they left off. No one can feel safe or stronger than the others.”
The Italian government has suggested that teams can look to return to training on the 4th of May, allowing for the season to restart at the end of next month.
